The development includes fully-fitted offices with comfort cooling, raised access floors, LED lighting, and high-speed broadband for a premium workspace environment, while clear breakout zones, natural light, and flexible layouts make the development operationally efficient and human-centred.
Both units boast E(g), B2, B8 use classes which caters for various occupier needs, from logistics to light industrial and trade. Evo Corby is not merely a commercial warehouse; it’s a transformative landmark and it blends logistics excellence, sustainability leadership, tenant-centric design, and strategic economic integration.
Both buildings are available either on a new lease or freehold purchase. To find out more, please visit https://evocorby169.co.uk/ and https://evocorby60.co.uk/ or contact Evo Corby’s agents, Tydus, M1 or CBRE.
Evo Corby
Evo Corby is a best‑in‑class logistics facility combining exceptional design, cutting-edge sustainability, and strategic logistics positioning. Located at Corby’s Sallow/Hunters Road intersection, it is positioned within easy reach of the A43, A14, M1, within 2 hours’ drive of Felixstowe and Heathrow, and provides access to 87% of the UK population within 4.5 hours HGV drive.
Developed by PBBE Corby BV, and with PineBridge as asset managers, the scheme includes Evo Corby 169, a distribution warehouse with 169,127 sq ft of high-quality space, and Evo Corby 60, offering 61,060 sq ft. Both boast generous eaves (15 m and 12.5 m respectively), ample dock‑level doors, and deep yards ideal for modern logistics operations, as well as excellent power provision, robust flooring (50 kN/m²), and high-speed fibre.
Both units have achieved BREEAM Excellent, are Net Zero Carbon (in operation) and have been rated EPC A+. Achieving the highest building standards, reducing environmental impact and raising corporate ESG profiles, the units reflect ultra‑efficient design and operations and feature solar PV arrays, LED lighting with sensors, extensive rooflights, recycled materials, EV chargers, and large cycle storage areas.
The development includes fully-fitted offices with comfort cooling, raised access floors, LED lighting, and high-speed broadband for a premium workspace environment, while clear breakout zones, natural light, and flexible layouts make the development operationally efficient and human-centred.
Both units boast E(g), B2, B8 use classes which caters for various occupier needs, from logistics to light industrial and trade. Evo Corby is not merely a commercial warehouse; it’s a transformative landmark and it blends logistics excellence, sustainability leadership, tenant-centric design, and strategic economic integration.
Both buildings are available either on a new lease or freehold purchase. To find out more, please visit https://evocorby169.co.uk/ and https://evocorby60.co.uk/ or contact Evo Corby’s agents, Tydus, M1 or CBRE.
The development includes fully-fitted offices with comfort cooling, raised access floors, LED lighting, and high-speed broadband for a premium workspace environment, while clear breakout zones, natural light, and flexible layouts make the development operationally efficient and human-centred.
Both units boast E(g), B2, B8 use classes which caters for various occupier needs, from logistics to light industrial and trade. Evo Corby is not merely a commercial warehouse; it’s a transformative landmark and it blends logistics excellence, sustainability leadership, tenant-centric design, and strategic economic integration.
Both buildings are available either on a new lease or freehold purchase. To find out more, please visit https://evocorby169.co.uk/ and https://evocorby60.co.uk/ or contact Evo Corby’s agents, Tydus, M1 or CBRE.
Start-ups driving women’s health and disability inclusion secure funding
The Ingenuity Impact Showcase 2025 has recognised impactful start-ups in women’s health and disability inclusion, offering early-stage businesses vital support to drive social change. The showcase, powered by the University of Nottingham, awarded £50,000 in funding across multiple categories to businesses addressing health, social, and environmental challenges.
FUSE, a business focused on reducing ACL injuries in women’s football, won the prestigious Ingenuity Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award. Their device, designed to analyse hormone levels, helps female athletes monitor hormonal fluctuations that increase ACL injury risks, aiming to improve injury prevention protocols for women in sport.
Ben Jones and Ed Donell’s business, Lowland Meadows, took home the Climate Champion award for helping farmers enhance sustainability while supporting developers in securing planning permissions through Biodiversity Units. The duo praised the programme for its networking opportunities and access to valuable insights from more established businesses.
The Communities Champion title was awarded to Lita-Louise Gardner and Stephen Covell for Project EDI, which seeks to improve accessibility and ethics in AI tools for sign language. Their open-source initiative supports the Deaf community by developing inclusive technology for both signers and learners.
Monet Davis received the University of Nottingham Champion award for FaceFlavour, her catering business that champions cultural representation and inclusivity at corporate events and private dining experiences.
Ingenuity Impact continues to foster innovation, supporting entrepreneurs dedicated to creating a positive societal impact.
Managing director promotion for East Midlands housebuilder
Allison Homes has promoted Karl Edwards from operations director to managing director for its East Midlands region, as the business sets its sights on growth across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Growing up in Nottingham, Karl combines extensive experience with deep local knowledge, which has been central to establishing the East Midlands region and building a robust land bank with a strong development pipeline.
Since joining Allison Homes nearly three years ago, Karl has leveraged over 25 years of land and development expertise gained from senior roles at Gladman, Chase Homes, Rippon Homes and Bryant/Taylor Wimpey. Having started his career as a joiner and progressing to site manager at Barratt Homes East Midlands, Karl brings a deep-rooted knowledge of housebuilding.
Karl has led the launch of the regional headquarters at Castle Donington and scaled the team from a single individual to 19 employees, with further recruitment in progress across planning, commercial, technical and sales functions.
Karl Edwards said: “I’m really excited to be stepping into this new role leading Allison Homes in the East Midlands. We’ve built a great team and having our new office in Castle Donington puts us exactly where we need to be.
“We’re committed to delivering high-quality homes, building trust in the region, and growing in the right way. With strong land acquisitions already in place and several sites moving forward, we’ve got a solid foundation to scale up and make a real difference in this high-demand market.”
John Anderson, chief executive of Allison Homes, added: “Karl’s deep operational experience and leadership have played a huge part in building our presence in the East Midlands so quickly.
“I have every confidence in his ability to take the business forward and continue making a real impact in the region. Seeing what Karl and his team have achieved so far makes me genuinely excited for the next chapter for Allison Homes in the East Midlands.”
Nottingham aviation data platform secures investment
Northcote Equity has backed aviation data and intelligence platform RDC Aviation, headquartered in Nottingham.
Leveraging more than two decades of aviation expertise, RDC provides mission-critical insight into airline performance, route profitability, emissions, and airport charges — powering decision-making for airlines, airports, and aviation stakeholders.
RDC’s client base spans hundreds of global airlines and airports, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and easyJet.
Northcote is investing alongside RDC’s existing management team led by CEO, Peter Hind. This partnership will accelerate RDC’s analytics and insights capabilities, expand its go-to-market strategy and international growth, and deepen the integration of its platform into the aviation sector’s decision-making processes.
Scott Fairlie, Northcote Equity co-founder, said: “Supporting exceptional founder-led businesses like RDC is exactly why we started Northcote. We’re thrilled to partner with Peter, Iain and the team to help RDC scale its impact across the global aviation industry.”
Peter Hind, CEO of RDC, said: “Finding the right partner for the next stage in our journey was essential. Building strong relationships has always been vital to our success. With Scott and the Northcote team, we’ve found not just deep experience in aviation and scaling data businesses, but a genuine rapport that makes the journey enjoyable. We’re excited about what we’ll achieve together in the years ahead.”
The transaction was led by Scott Fairlie (co-founder) and Tom Gilbride (investment manager). Scott Fairlie and Charles Dale (co-founders) will join the board.
Derby retail software provider snapped up
ClearCourse, the software and payments specialist, has acquired Davidson Richards, a retail management and EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems provider.
Davidson Richards provides cloud-based management and EPOS systems tailored to the retail industry. Founded in 1977 and based in Derby, Davidson Richards launched its flagship product, OpSuite, in 2012.
Joining the ClearCourse group will enable Davidson Richards to expand their offerings, providing customers with in-house payment and eCommerce solutions.
Christina Hamilton, CEO of ClearCourse, said: “We are delighted to welcome Davidson Richards into the ClearCourse group as part of our Retail & Hospitality Software vertical. OpSuite is a market leading product that is well positioned to expand its innovative offering into new sectors.
“We are excited about the natural integration this partnership enables, as OpSuite will be able to offer in-house payment and other commerce enabling solutions through the wider ClearCourse group products.”
Keith Bateman, sales director at Davidson Richards, said: “This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our business and customers. Joining the ClearCourse group will enable us to enhance the service we offer our customers, particularly through the introduction of an in-house Electronic Funds Transfer solution.
“ClearCourse is the ideal partner to help us to grow the business through an increased investment into marketing and to reach more customers.”
£10.8bn funding deficit uncovered in East Midlands
The East Midlands continues to receive the lowest levels of public investment in the UK, according to a new analysis of government data released by East Midlands Councils.
Despite a growing population and a strong track record on economic growth, the region lags significantly behind on spending in key areas such as transport, infrastructure, and economic development.
Figures drawn from the Treasury’s Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) show that, between 2019 and 2024, the East Midlands received £10.8bn less than it would have if funded at the UK average.
Transport funding in the region is particularly low. In 2023–24, transport spending in the East Midlands was just 54% of the UK average, the lowest level of any UK region or nation.
On rail investment, the disparity is starker still: the East Midlands received just £175 per head, compared to £477 in the West Midlands and £1,047 in London.
Cllr Sean Matthews, chair of East Midlands Councils, said: “These figures lay bare the extent to which the East Midlands has been taken for granted by Governments of all colours over the last 20 years.
“The disparities in transport and rail spending are truly shocking. Ministers and Government funded transport bodies must do much more to close the investment gap in the East Midlands if we are going to generate the economic growth the country needs.”
While the region has kept pace with national growth rates in terms of GDP, the analysis highlights that this has largely been driven by population growth rather than productivity gains. Labour productivity in the East Midlands remains at just 84.8% of the UK average, with the gap widening over the last 20 years.
The report also compares the East Midlands to neighbouring regions. The West Midlands received £6.7bn more in total public investment over the same five-year period. On economic development alone, the East Midlands received 30% less per head than the West Midlands in 2023–24.
Nottingham set for 200 new homes through Platform4 redevelopment
Nottingham is set to see a significant boost in housing with the development of 200 new homes on surplus railway land. As part of the government’s Platform4 initiative, this project will transform a brownfield site into a thriving residential area.
Platform4, a newly established property development company, is tasked with unlocking railway land across England and Wales for housing projects. In Nottingham, the development is expected to contribute to the creation of sustainable communities while addressing the region’s housing needs.
The redevelopment of this site is part of the government’s broader plan to build 40,000 homes across surplus railway land over the next decade. This project aligns with the government’s brownfield-first approach, ensuring that underused land is repurposed for much-needed housing.
By consolidating property development efforts under one entity, Platform4 aims to streamline processes and deliver developments more efficiently. The profits generated will be reinvested into the UK’s rail infrastructure, supporting long-term growth for both the housing and transport sectors.
Derby City Council reports underspend as it moves towards financial stability
Derby City Council has reported a forecast underspend of £1.318 million for the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. This marks significant progress in the Council’s ongoing efforts to achieve long-term financial stability.
The underspend comes after the implementation of effective financial management and careful budget setting, despite the challenges facing local governments nationwide. The Council has also made notable investments in essential services, with approximately £40 million allocated for this financial year, while working to restore general reserves to £15.8 million. This will bring reserves to the highest level in several years, representing 4.54% of the revenue budget.
In addition, the Council is on track to meet its £9.861 million savings target for the 2025/26 year. The commitment to rebuilding reserves forms part of Derby’s broader strategy to create a more resilient financial position, ensuring the city is well-prepared for any future economic shocks.
Although positive, the report acknowledges ongoing pressures, particularly in adult social care and services for children with special educational needs. However, these costs are being offset by savings in other areas. The Council remains focused on maintaining responsible financial leadership to ensure continued service delivery and stability.
Looking ahead, Derby City Council is preparing for potential changes linked to Local Government Reorganisation across Derbyshire. The financial position will be further reviewed at the Cabinet meeting on 6 August.
Charnwood Forest to bid for prestigious international designation
Leicestershire’s Charnwood Forest is taking to the world stage with an application for a prestigious international designation supporting education work and growing the local economy.
The area, home to some of the oldest animal fossils in the world, will be applying for UNESCO Global Geopark status later this year. If successful, it would become the county’s first site with a UNESCO status.
Charnwood Forest Geopark has been developed over the past four years as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported scheme, hosted by the National Forest.
Working with 17 partner organisations, the Geopark team has delivered projects including conservation work, schools outreach, arts programmes, volunteering, and interpretation infrastructure. The Geopark includes sites such as Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill, but also the lesser-known Morley Quarry and Markfield’s Hill Hole.
There are currently 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries, each hosting internationally significant geological features that communities use to support education work and growing the local economy in a sustainable way.
Charnwood Forest’s bid focuses on the 560 million year old fossils found in the Geopark, which tell the story of the rise of the first animals on the planet.
Cllr Cartwright, chair of the Geopark’s board said: “This is an exciting time for Charnwood Forest and all of Leicestershire. The partner organisations behind Charnwood Forest Geopark have long been working hard to conserve our heritage, share our unique story, and grow the local economy.
“UNESCO Global Geopark status will give Charnwood Forest the international recognition it deserves, helping us to further protect and celebrate our unique geological story. Such enormous effort has gone into this by so many people and I would like to thank you all, including the committee, volunteers, and delivery team. Together we are stronger, keep up the great work.”
The Geopark team will be submitting the application to UNESCO later this year, and in 2026 two international evaluators will visit to judge if the region meets the standards of a Global Geopark. This could see Charnwood Forest awarded the status when the UNESCO Executive Board meets in the spring of 2027.
“The Bricks Awards showcase the people and firms that are to thank for shaping how our urban spaces and architecture will be seen for future generations”
As Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 draws ever-nearer, East Midlands Chamber has highlighted the opportunity it provides to “showcase the people and firms that are to thank for shaping how our urban spaces and architecture will be seen for future generations.”
With nominations closing on Friday 15th August, it’s time to make your free entries for the 10th annual celebration of the property and construction industry.
Take this chance to spotlight exceptional new commercial and residential developments, those demonstrating a leading position in sustainability and design excellence; gain recognition as outstanding developers, architects, contractors, and agents, as well as for significant deals; and ensure efforts in corporate social responsibility are rewarded, from eco initiatives to charity work, to social value schemes.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Property and construction are significant drivers of growth and despite having had to overcome tough challenges like higher National Insurance contributions or the skills shortage making recruitment hard, the East Midlands can be proud of the impressive scale of modernisation to our towns and cities.
“Whether Nottingham’s Island Quarter, Derby’s Castleward Urban Village, Leicester’s Waterside or Ashton Green projects, you don’t have to look far to see progress. The Bricks Awards showcase the people and firms that are to thank for shaping how our urban spaces and architecture will be seen for future generations and it’s right we recognise that work.”
A key event in the business calendar, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will take place on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Revealing the winners in a glittering awards ceremony, the evening also offers time to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region and hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands.
To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards, please click on a category link below or visit this page. Entry is free – with finalists also winning free tickets to the awards ceremony.
Categories include:
- Contractor of the Year
- Developer of the Year
- Architects of the Year
- Most Active Agent
- Deal of the Year
- Residential Development of the Year
- Sustainable Development of the Year
- Commercial Development of the Year
- Excellence in Design
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Overall Winner (this award cannot be entered, with the Overall Winner selected from those nominated for the occasion’s 10 other categories and receiving a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice).
Nominations will close on Friday 15th August.
Tickets can now be booked for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, click here to secure yours.
Connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in our region.
New for this year, all entrants will also have the opportunity to be featured on our dedicated nominee showcase on the East Midlands Business Link website, providing space for marketing your achievements.The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025
What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Wholesale company ‘LUCs’ to Swadlincote for expansion
Rushton Hickman has completed the letting of 4,131 sq ft on Midland Road Industrial Estate to LUC Group Ltd.
The newly let Unit 11, close to Swadlincote town centre, comprises primarily an open plan ground floor workshop with additional first-floor offices and storage.
LUC Group Ltd are a wholesale company, sourcing produce from all over the UK. They plan to utilise the facility to support their expanding operations.
Richard Fairey, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “We knew the unit would generate plenty of interest being situated on such a popular estate and this proved to be the case. LUC Group came along quickly, and we were able to agree terms with the minimum of fuss. We are sure the unit will be perfect for their expanding business.”
Business school reaches major milestone as keys to new building handed over
The keys to The Cavendish Building, the new home of Derby International Business School, have been officially handed over ahead of its opening this September.
Located in the heart of the city centre, the seven-storey building features cutting-edge facilities including a Google-style creativity lab, a finance lab for budding investment bankers complete with Bloomberg and London Stock Exchange Group terminals, a logistics lab, a creativity lab and an XR suite to create an immersive learning experience.
Now the construction has been completed by Kier Construction, the final touches will be undertaken by the University, ready for students starting in September 2025.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be one step closer to opening the doors of our Cavendish Building.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the University as this new landmark building will serve as a dynamic hub where industry, students, and academics come together to drive innovation and shape a better future for society.
“Designed for applied learning and pioneering research, the new space will foster collaboration and empower industry and academic partnerships for impact across the globe.”
Small businesses and start-ups are set to be co-located within the building, complementing the University of Derby’s links with global organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and the NHS.
Dr Nicola Lynch, head of Derby International Business School, said: “Our priority from the outset was for The Cavendish Building to be a central hub where students, academics and industry co-locate, co-create, share knowledge, gain skills and collaborate to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
“We look forward to further strengthening our business partnerships and to continue developing a blueprint for how universities can work effectively and meaningfully with industry.”
Tony Shenton, regional director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “Handing over this world-class business school building is a major milestone, and we are delighted to celebrate it with the University of Derby.
“The new Cavendish Building is cutting-edge, bespoke in its design and is a testament to Kier’s skills and experience in delivering modern and sustainable learning environments. This flagship building will serve as a hub of collaboration and learning, benefitting the staff, students and local community for decades to come.”
Gusto restaurant chain undergoes rescue deal, but 190 jobs affected
Gusto, the UK-based Italian restaurant chain, is set to be acquired by Cherry Equity Partners in a pre-pack administration deal that will preserve 300 of its 500 jobs. This transaction follows the company’s announcement of its intention to appoint an administrator.
The deal, orchestrated by insolvency firm Interpath Advisory, comes after Gusto faced significant financial challenges amid ongoing pressures in the hospitality sector. As part of the deal, six locations will be closed, leading to the loss of approximately 190 positions, predominantly from smaller suburban sites that have struggled financially in recent times.
Cherry Equity’s acquisition marks the firm’s third restaurant purchase in six months and highlights its commitment to the UK hospitality industry. The new owners aim to stabilise the brand and set a foundation for future growth despite the current economic challenges facing the sector. Gusto’s leadership expressed regret over the closures and thanked its employees and customers for their support.
Derbion set to open major sports facilities at former Eagle Market site
Derbion is set to transform the former Eagle Market site with the launch of two large-scale sports facilities this autumn. Social Sports Society will open one of the UK’s largest indoor padel tennis centres, while Flo Skatepark will create a premier skateboarding hub for the East Midlands.
The 54,000-square-foot padel facility will be the third venue outside London for Social Sports Society, following successful launches in Birmingham and Manchester. The facility will offer affordable sessions for schools and local groups, aiming to increase participation in the rapidly growing sport. Padel tennis, played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court, is gaining popularity across the UK.
Alongside, Flo Skatepark will occupy a 20,828-square-foot space, providing a world-class skateboarding venue with lessons, events, and community programmes. The skatepark is expected to be a key location for brand collaborations and local exhibitions.
Both facilities will complement the development of Derbion’s Eastern Gateway, which is set to enhance the city’s leisure offerings. The project, supported by £3 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, is part of a broader effort to revitalise the area with family-friendly amenities, a new play area, and food stalls. The new facilities are expected to drive foot traffic to Derbion and further establish the site as a prime leisure destination for the region.
Games Workshop marks record year
Games Workshop has marked a record year in its results for the 52 week period to 1 June 2025, as its CEO hails “exciting times.”
Revenue at the Nottingham-based manufacturer of miniature wargames has risen to £617.5m from £525.7m, while the business has posted a pre-tax profit of £262.8m, up from £203m.Kevin Rountree, CEO of Games Workshop, said: “After a record year, we remain focused on delivering our operational plans and working tirelessly to overcome any significant obstacles that get in the way.
“We will continue to give ourselves the freedom to make some mistakes, constantly working on improvements in product quality and manufacturing innovation.
“Despite our recent successes we will never take our hobbyists’ support for granted. I wish to thank all of them together with our staff, trade accounts and broader stakeholders for their ongoing support. Exciting times.”
Games Workshop noted that new tariffs could impact profit before tax by £12m in 2025/26.
Finding more Forever Families: LikeMind Media wins brief to boost adopter numbers
Loughborough-based content marketing consultancy, LikeMind Media has been appointed by Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ voluntary adoption agency Adoption Focus to lead a major digital campaign addressing the national shortage of adopters.
The year-long campaign will focus on reaching prospective adopters from all walks of life, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ communities and people from Black and dual-heritage backgrounds — groups that remain significantly underrepresented in the adoption system.
LikeMind Media will work to position Adoption Focus as the leading choice for adoption and early permanence across Central England, promoting its training and support through a strategic mix of organic and paid social media, search marketing, and event amplification.
“We have delivered social media workshops for Adoption Focus and other adoption organisations, which has helped us understand some of the challenges they face in recruiting new adopters,” said Paul Ince, managing director of LikeMind Media.
“Selecting the right audiences and creating content that deals with a sensitive subject requires us to work through sophisticated strategies. We have a great relationship with Adoption Focus — it’s much more like a partnership than a supplier/client relationship. We refer to us all as one team; we’re all looking forward to working with each other over the next year.”
Jo Lee, director of business development at Adoption Focus, added: “We’ve worked with LikeMind Media informally in the past to strengthen our social media knowledge and output. This year, we wanted to start new campaigns to recruit adopters. Paul and his team were our first choice due to their knowledge, expertise, and our trust in their skill to maximise our resources and get the best results.”
Applications open for EarthScale climate tech programme
EarthScale, a new initiative designed to help climate tech startups scale up, is now accepting applications for its first cohort. This three-year programme is backed by a £5 million grant from the Research England Development Fund and led by Imperial College London, in collaboration with five other UK universities: Nottingham, Cranfield, Derby, Exeter, and Leeds.
The aim of EarthScale is to bridge the gap between the prototype phase and market-ready deployment for climate tech ventures, addressing the challenges startups face in scaling innovative technologies. The programme offers participants access to specialised research, manufacturing facilities, and a network of experts across various technical fields.
The support provided will also include business development assistance, talent acquisition, and help navigating the complexities of regulations and policies. Startups that are selected will have the opportunity to enhance their operations and bring their climate solutions closer to commercialisation.
Applications are open until 7 September 2025, with the programme set to start on 1 October.
Silverstone Composites teams up with TC Group to accelerate growth
Silverstone Composites has partnered with TC Group to support its expansion and strengthen its financial position. As a leader in advanced materials, Silverstone has earned a strong reputation across motorsport, aerospace, and custom sectors. With this new alliance, TC Group will provide strategic guidance across multiple areas, including property, HR, tax, and R&D.
One of the first outcomes of the partnership is the relocation of Silverstone Composites to Silverstone Park, a key area for high-tech innovation. The partnership has also unlocked valuable funding opportunities, enabling further reinvestment in cutting-edge projects and talent development. TC Group’s experts are also assisting with the company’s succession planning, ensuring sustainable growth in the future.
This collaboration underscores TC Group’s approach to offering comprehensive advisory services, extending beyond the typical accountancy and compliance roles. The partnership brings together the expertise needed to drive Silverstone Composites into the next stage of its growth.
Study highlights digital connectivity gaps in Leicestershire’s growth potential
A recent study by VodafoneThree and WPI Strategy reveals stark differences in digital connectivity across Leicestershire, identifying areas where better access to technology could significantly boost employment, education, and business growth.
The study assessed digital infrastructure in Leicestershire’s parliamentary constituencies using five key metrics: unemployment, productivity, new small business formation, life satisfaction, and the percentage of residents without formal qualifications. The findings underscore that while digital connectivity has the potential to drive growth, its benefits are not evenly distributed.
The report categorises constituencies into three groups based on their performance across these indicators. Three constituencies—Leicester East, Leicester South, and Leicester West—are in the urgent need category, showing high unemployment rates (7.2%) and low productivity (£35.80 per hour), along with a significant proportion of residents lacking formal qualifications (26.7%). Despite a rise in new business creation in these areas, the report warns that poor digital access and skills are barriers to further economic development.
Other areas, such as Loughborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and North West Leicestershire, are performing near the national average but still face challenges. While these constituencies benefit from low unemployment and reasonable life satisfaction scores, productivity remains a concern. These regions could unlock further potential through targeted investment in digital infrastructure and skills training.
No constituencies in the county currently exceed national benchmarks, which highlights a gap that must be addressed to keep pace with digital transformation seen in other regions. Areas like Rugby and Warwick & Leamington already demonstrate higher productivity and lower unemployment, supported by more advanced digital infrastructure.
VodafoneThree’s commitment to investing £11 billion in 5G infrastructure over the next eight years could be the key to closing these digital gaps in Leicestershire. The company’s ambitious rollout of nationwide 5G by 2034 promises to provide the necessary connectivity to foster growth in areas most in need.
Sladen Estates makes pair of senior appointments
The developer behind schemes including Unity Square, Summit Park, and Bicester Arc has bolstered its project management and delivery teams with a pair of senior appointments.
Sladen Estates has appointed Taf Chisambara as associate director project management, and Chris Beardsmore as project architect, both working out of the developer’s Derbyshire office.
The duo will be working on key ongoing projects, including the retail and industrial scheme The Boulevard in Peterborough, which is due to start on site in August, and the company’s office, industrial, BTR and PBSA schemes in Reading, Nottingham and Bicester.
Taf joins Sladen from Leeds-based property advisors Fox Lloyd Jones, building on more than a decade of project management across defence, office, higher education and PBSA, most recently working in the retail sector.
Taf said: “My experience has helped me develop a broad skillset across a range of sectors, and the opportunity to continue that at Sladen Estates was too good to pass up. The projects we’re working on span the full lifecycle from feasibility all the way through to delivery and handover, and the scale and complexity provide a challenge I’m excited to get my teeth into.”
Chris began his career in Brazil and has experience working in Italy, qualifying as an architect in 2018. He has previously worked for YMD Boon, Acres Architects and Hayward Architects among others, working in sectors as diverse as luxury residential and industrial and logistics.
Chris said: “The main draw in joining the Sladen Estates team was to work on larger projects that are designed with deliverability in mind. The opportunity to work client-side is especially attractive as it gives you the opportunity to really focus on design and explore multiple options for projects without the constraints you can encounter in practice.”
Rachel Wood, managing director of Sladen Estates, said: “Our business is built around its people, and adding talent such as Taf and Chris enhances the depth and adaptability of our suite of in-house experts in design and project management. With several significant projects in the pipeline and more to come, Taf and Chris are a welcome addition to the Sladen Estates team.”
